Why is the Toyota Rush such a hit to Filipino car buyers?

Released on May 4, 2018, the third-generation Toyota Rush, also known as the Daihatsu Terios and the Perodua Aruz in other markets, is a rear-wheel-drive, seven-seater MPV with a quasi-SUV looking body.

In a year since its release, the Rush has become a common sight on Philippine roads. In 2019 alone, Toyota sold a whopping 15,172 units of the said model, so yes, one could say that it has become quite a hit.

Now, why is that? What is it about the Toyota Rush that made it a hit among Filipino car buyers?

>>> Related: What we'd like to see from an updated Toyota Rush 2020 Philippines

One large factor on why the Rush is so popular is because of its looks

SUV looks without the bulk

The Toyota Rush is essentially an MPV. It has the same parts transmission and engine as the Toyota Avanza, and it can also seat seven people. In contrast to SUVs and even other MPVs with similar seating capacities, the Rush is relatively compact.

Sure, the Avanza is smaller but the Rush is still not as large as the Fortuner. This makes the Rush ideal for city-dwelling folks who need a large seating capacity, which we can say that most Filipinos need anyway.

Rear-wheel drive goodness

On top of that, one reason the Rush is doing well sales-wise is partly due to its exterior design. It looks rugged and macho much like an SUV. To back that look up, the Rush also has 220mm of ground clearance, which is 20mm more than the Avanza’s.

And lest we forget, the Rush is also one of the few rear-wheel-drive MPVs available in the Philippine market today, alongside its Avanza brother. This means the Rush is rugged, better at climbing hills, and it might even have a better weight balance.

The Rush is very attractive price-wise

For a rear-wheel-drive vehicle that looks this good and equipped with many useful features, the Toyota Rush is affordable.

Sure, you might argue that you can turn to the Avanza instead, but again, the Rush has its macho SUV styling, has better ground clearance, and a push to start button.

If you're a tall person, the Rush is great for you

>>> Related: Toyota Rush price list and downpayment

As of May 2020, the Toyota Rush’s base variant; the Rush 1.5 E MT is priced at Php 968,000. The top of the line Rush 1.5 G AT is priced at Php 1,100,000, which is only Php 23,000 more expensive than the top-of-the-line Avanza Veloz.

And yes, Php 23,000 is a small price to pay for more attractive looks, and all the advantages the Rush can provide, wouldn’t you say?

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